Nigeria, April 23 -- On 25 September 1915, an advertisement about a fund-raising ball for the War Aeroplane Fund, appeared in the Lagos press. This was during World War One, a period that witnessed a variety of fundraising events on behalf of the British Empire's war effort. The announcement was published in the Lagos Standard and the Nigerian Pioneer.

According to the advert, the "Moonlight Gathering and Grand Ball," which was planned by the Ebute Metta Choral Society, was scheduled take place at a pavilion located on Abeokuta and Freeman Streets. Tickets were five shillings for two nights and three shillings for each night. Ladies would be admitted for free on the night of the Ball.

The tickets were sold at several locations on Lagos ...